Valve lifter body

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a valve lifter body, comprising an outer surface, enclosing a first cavity and a second cavity, wherein the first cavity includes a first inner surface configured to house a cylindrical insert, the second cavity includes a second inner surface cylindrically shaped, and at least one of the cavities is fabricated through forging.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to bodies for valve lifters, andparticularly to valve lifters used in combustion engines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Valve lifter bodies are known in the art and are used in camshaftinternal combustion engines. Valve lifter bodies open and close valvesthat regulate fuel and air intake. As noted in U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,009to Brothers, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein byreference, valve lifters are typically fabricated through machining.Col. 8, 11, 1-3. However, machining is inefficient, resulting inincreased labor and decreased production.

[0003] The present invention is directed to overcoming this and otherdisadvantages inherent in prior-art lifter bodies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The scope of the present invention is defined solely by theappended claims, and is not affected to any degree by the statementswithin this summary. Briefly stated, a valve lifter body, comprising anouter surface, enclosing a first cavity and a second cavity, wherein thefirst cavity includes a first inner surface configured to house acylindrical insert, the second cavity includes a second inner surfacecylindrically shaped, and at least one of the cavities is fabricatedthrough forging.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005]FIG. 1 depicts a preferred embodiment of a valve lifter body.

[0006]FIG. 2 depicts a preferred embodiment of a valve lifter body.

[0007]FIG. 3 depicts the top view of a preferred embodiment of a valvelifter body.

[0008]FIG. 4 depicts the top view of another preferred embodiment of avalve lifter body.

[0009]FIG. 5 depicts a second embodiment of a valve lifter body.

[0010]FIG. 6 depicts the top view of another preferred embodiment of avalve lifter body.

[0011]FIG. 7 depicts a third embodiment of a valve lifter body.

[0012]FIG. 8 depicts the top view of another preferred embodiment of avalve lifter body.

[0013]FIG. 9 depicts a fourth embodiment of a valve lifter body.

[0014]FIG. 10 depicts a fourth embodiment of a valve lifter body.

[0015]FIG. 11 depicts a fifth embodiment of a valve lifter body.

[0016]FIG. 12 depicts a lash adjuster body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1, 2, and 3 show a valve lifterbody 10 constituting a preferred embodiment of the present invention.The valve lifter 10 is composed of a metal, preferably aluminum.According to one aspect of the present invention, the metal is copper.According to another aspect of the present invention, the metal is iron.

[0018] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the metal is analloy. According to one aspect of the present invention, the metalincludes ferrous and non-ferrous materials. According to another aspectof the present invention, the metal is a steel. Those skilled in the artwill appreciate that steel is in a plurality of formulations and thepresent invention is intended to encompass all of them. According to oneembodiment of the present invention the steel is a low carbon steel. Inanother embodiment of the present invention, the steel is a mediumcarbon steel. According to yet another embodiment of the presentinvention, the steel is a high carbon steel.

[0019] Those with skill in the art will also appreciate that the metalis a super alloy. According to one aspect of the present invention, thesuper alloy is bronze; according to another aspect of the presentinvention, the super alloy is a high nickel material. According to yetanother aspect of the present invention, the valve lifter 10 is composedof pearlitic material. According to still another aspect of the presentinvention, the valve lifter 10 is composed of austenitic material.According to another aspect of the present invention, the metal is aferritic material.

[0020] The body 20 is composed of a plurality of shaft elements.According to one aspect of the present invention, the shaft element iscylindrical in shape. According to another aspect of the presentinvention, the shaft element is conical in shape. According to yetanother aspect of the present invention, the shaft element is solid.According to still another aspect of the present invention, the shaftelement is hollow.

[0021]FIG. 1 depicts a cross-sectional view of the preferred embodimentof the present invention composed of a plurality of shaft elements. FIG.1 shows the body, generally designated 20, with a roller 90. The body 20of the preferred embodiment is fabricated from a single piece of metalwire or rod and is described herein as a plurality of shaft elements.The body 20 includes a first hollow shaft element 21, a second hollowshaft element 22, and a solid shaft element 23. In the preferredembodiment, the solid shaft element 23 is located between the firsthollow shaft element 21 and the second hollow shaft element 22.

[0022] The body 20 functions to accommodate a plurality of inserts.According to one aspect of the present invention, the body 20accommodates a lash adjuster such as that disclosed in “Lash AdjusterBody,” application Ser. No. ______, filed on Oct. 18, 2002, a copy ofwhich is attached hereto, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference. According to another aspect of the presentinvention, the body 20 accommodates a leakdown plunger, such as thatdisclosed in “Leakdown Plunger,” application Ser. No. ______, filed onOct. 18, 2002, a copy of which is attached hereto, the disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated herein by reference. According to anotheraspect of the present invention, the body 20 accommodates a push rodseat (not shown). According to yet another aspect of the presentinvention, the body 20 accommodates a metering socket such as thatdisclosed in “Metering Socket,” application Ser. No. ______, filed onOct. 18, 2002, a copy of which is attached hereto, the disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0023] The body 20 is provided with a plurality of outer surfaces andinner surfaces. FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of the preferredembodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the body 20 isprovided with an outer surface 80 which is cylindrically shaped. Theouter surface 80 encloses a plurality of cavities. As depicted in FIG.2, the outer surface 80 encloses a first cavity 30 and a second cavity31. The first cavity 30 includes a first inner surface 40. The secondcavity 31 includes a second inner surface 70.

[0024]FIG. 3 depicts a top view and provides greater detail of the firstcavity 30 of the preferred embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the firstcavity 30 is provided with a first opening 32 shaped to accept acylindrical insert. The first inner surface 40 is configured to house acylindrical insert 90, which, in the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, functions as a roller. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that housing a cylindrical insert can be accomplished througha plurality of different configurations. The first inner surface 40 ofthe preferred embodiment includes a plurality of flat surfaces and aplurality of walls. As depicted in FIG. 3, the inner surface 40 includestwo opposing walls 43, 44. A first flat surface 41 is adjacent to acurved surface 48. The curved surface 48 is adjacent to a second flatsurface 42. The two walls 43, 44 are located on opposing sides of thecurved surface 48.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 2, the body 20 of the present invention isprovided with a second cavity 31 which includes a second opening 33which is in a circular shape. The second cavity 31 is provided with asecond inner surface 70. The second inner surface 70 of the preferredembodiment is cylindrically shaped. Alternatively, the second innersurface 70 is configured to house a lash adjuster generally designated94 on FIG. 12. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate thatthe second inner surface 70 can be conically or frustoconically shapedwithout departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0026] The present invention is fabricated through a plurality ofprocesses. According to one aspect of the present invention, the valvelifter body 10 is machined. According to another aspect of the presentinvention, the valve lifter body 10 is forged. According to yet anotheraspect of the present invention, the valve lifter body 10 is fabricatedthrough casting. The preferred embodiment of the present invention isforged. As used herein, the term “forge,” “forging,” or “forged” isintended to encompass what is known in the art as “cold forming,” “coldheading,” “deep drawing,” and “hot forging.” The preferred embodiment isforged with use of a National® 750 parts former machine. Those skilledin the art will appreciate that other part formers, such as, forexample, a Waterbury machine can be used. Those skilled in the art willfurther appreciate that other forging methods can be used as well.

[0027] The process of forging the preferred embodiment begins with ametal wire or metal rod which is drawn to size. The ends of the wire orrod are squared off by a punch. After being drawn to size, the wire orrod is run through a series of dies or extrusions. The second cavity 31is extruded through use of a punch and an extruding pin. After thesecond cavity 31 has been extruded, the first cavity 30 is forged. Thefirst cavity 30 is extruded through use of an extruding punch and aforming pin.

[0028] Alternatively, the body 20 is fabricated through machining. Asused herein, machining means the use of a chucking machine, a drillingmachine, a grinding machine, or a broaching machine. Machining isaccomplished by first feeding the body 20 into a chucking machine, suchas an ACME-Gridley automatic chucking machine. Those skilled in the artwill appreciate that other machines and other manufacturers of automaticchucking machines can be used.

[0029] To machine the second cavity 31, the end containing the secondopening 33 is faced so that it is substantially flat. The second cavity31 is bored. Alternatively, the second cavity 31 can be drilled and thenprofiled with a special internal diameter forming tool.

[0030] After being run through the chucking machine, heat-treating iscompleted so that the required Rockwell hardness is achieved. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that this can be accomplished byapplying heat so that the material is beyond its critical temperatureand then oil quenching the material.

[0031] After heat-treating, the second cavity 31 is ground using aninternal diameter grinding machine, such as a Heald grinding machine.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the second cavity 31 canbe ground using other grinding machines.

[0032] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the other featuresof the present invention may be fabricated through machining. Forexample, the first cavity 30 can be machined. To machine the firstcavity 30, the end containing the first opening 32 is faced so that itis substantially flat. The first cavity 30 is drilled and then the firstopening 32 is broached using a broaching machine.

[0033] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIG. 4, the first cavity 30 is provided with a first opening 32 shapedto accept a cylindrical insert and a first inner surface 50. The firstinner surface 50 includes a plurality of flat surfaces, a plurality ofcurved surfaces, and a plurality of walls. As depicted in FIG. 4, afirst flat surface 51 is adjacent to a first curved surface 54. Thefirst curved surface 54 is adjacent to a second flat surface 52. Thesecond flat surface 52 is adjacent to a second curved surface 55. Thesecond curved surface 55 is adjacent to a third flat surface 53. Onopposing sides of the third flat surface 53 are walls 56, 57. FIG. 5depicts a cross-sectional view of the body 20 with the first cavity 30shown in FIG. 4.

[0034] In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, asdepicted in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first cavity 30 is provided with a firstopening 32 shaped to accept a cylindrical insert and a first innersurface 50. The first inner surface 50 includes a plurality of flatsurfaces and a plurality of walls. Referring to FIG. 6, a first flatsurface 51 is adjacent to a second flat surface 52, a first angledsurface 65, and a second angled surface 66. The first angled surface 65is adjacent to a second flat surface 52 and a first curved surface 54.As depicted in FIG. 7 the first angled surface 65 is configured to be atan angle 100 relative to the plane of the second flat surface 52,preferably between twenty-five and about ninety degrees.

[0035] The second angled surface 66 is adjacent to the flat surface 52.As shown in FIG. 7, the second angled surface 66 is configured to be atan angle relative to the plane of the second flat surface 52, preferablybetween twenty-five and about ninety degrees. The second angled surface66 is adjacent to a second curved surface 55. The second curved surface55 is adjacent to a third angled surface 67 and a first wall 56. Thethird angled surface 67 is adjacent to the second flat surface 52 and athird flat surface 53. As depicted in FIG. 7, the third angled surface67 is configured to be at an angle 100 relative to the plane of thesecond flat surface 52, preferably between twenty-five and about ninetydegrees.

[0036] The third flat surface 53 is adjacent to a fourth angled surface68. The fourth angled surface 68 adjacent to the first curved surface 54and a second wall 57. As depicted in FIG. 7, the fourth angled surface68 is configured to be at an angle relative to the plane of the secondflat surface 52, preferably between twenty-five and about ninetydegrees. FIG. 7 depicts a cross-sectional view of an embodiment with thefirst cavity 30 of FIG. 6.

[0037] Shown in FIG. 8 is an alternative embodiment of the first cavity30 depicted in FIG. 6. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 8, the firstcavity 30 is provided with a chamfered opening 32 and a first innersurface 50. The chamfered opening 32 functions so that a cylindricalinsert can be introduced to the body 30 with greater ease. The chamferedopening 32 accomplishes this function through chamfers 60, 61 which arelocated on opposing sides of the chamfered opening 32. The chamfers 60,61 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 are flat surfaces at an anglerelative to the flat surfaces 41, 42 so that a cylindrical insert 90 canbe introduced through the first opening 32 with greater ease. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that the chamfers 60, 61 can befabricated in a number of different configurations; so long as theresulting configuration renders introduction of a cylindrical insert 90through the first opening 32 with greater ease, it is a “chamferedopening” within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0038] The chamfers 60, 61 are preferably fabricated through forging viaan extruding punch pin. Alternatively, the chamfers 60, 61 are machinedby being ground before heat-treating. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that other methods of fabrication can be employed within thescope of the present invention.

[0039]FIG. 9 discloses yet another alternative embodiment of the presentinvention. As depicted in FIG. 9, the body 20 is provided with a secondcavity 31 which includes a plurality of cylindrical and conicalsurfaces. The second cavity 31 depicted in FIG. 7 includes a secondinner surface 70. The second inner surface 70 of the preferredembodiment is cylindrically shaped, concentric relative to thecylindrically shaped outer surface 80. The second inner surface 70 isprovided with a well 62. The well 62 is shaped to accommodate a spring(not shown). In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9, the well 62 iscylindrically shaped at a diameter that is smaller than the diameter ofthe second inner surface 70. The cylindrical shape of the well 62 ispreferably concentric relative to the outer surface 80. The well 62 ispreferably forged through use of an extruding die pin.

[0040] Alternatively, the well 62 is machined by boring the well 62 in achucking machine. Alternatively, the well 62 can be drilled and thenprofiled with a special internal diameter forming tool. After being runthrough the chucking machine, heat-treating is completed so that therequired Rockwell hardness is achieved. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that heat-treating can be accomplished by applying heat sothat the material is beyond its critical temperature and then oilquenching the material. After heat-treating, the well 62 is ground usingan internal diameter grinding machine, such as a Heald grinding machine.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the well 62 can be groundusing other grinding machines.

[0041] Adjacent to the well 62, the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7 isprovided with a conically-shaped lead surface 64 which can be fabricatedthrough forging or machining. However, those skilled in the art willappreciate that the present invention can be fabricated without the leadsurface 64′.

[0042] Depicted in FIG. 10 is another alternative embodiment of thepresent invention. As shown in FIG. 10, the body 20 is provided with anouter surface 80. The outer surface 80 includes a plurality of surfaces.In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 10, the outer surface 80 includes acylindrical surface 81, an undercut surface 82, and a conical surface83. As depicted in FIG. 10, the undercut surface 82 extends from one endof the body 20 and is cylindrically shaped. The diameter of the undercutsurface 82 is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical surface 81.

[0043] The undercut surface 82 is preferably forged through use of anextruding die. Alternatively, the undercut surface 82 is fabricatedthrough machining. Machining the undercut surface 82 is accomplishedthrough use of an infeed centerless grinding machine, such as aCincinnati grinder. The surface is first heat-treated and then theundercut surface 82 is ground via a grinding wheel. Those skilled in theart will appreciate that additional surfaces can be ground into theouter surface with minor alterations to the grinding wheel.

[0044] As depicted in FIG. 10, the conical surface 83 is located betweenthe cylindrical surface and the undercut surface. The conical surface 83is preferably forged through use of an extruding die. Alternatively, theconical surface 83 is fabricated through machining. Those with skill inthe art will appreciate that the outer surface 80 can be fabricatedwithout the conical surface 83 so that the cylindrical surface 81 andthe undercut surface 82 abut one another.

[0045]FIG. 11 depicts another embodiment of the present invention. Inthe embodiment depicted in FIG. 11, the outer surface 80 includes aplurality of outer surfaces. The outer surface 80 is provided with afirst cylindrical surface 81. The first cylindrical surface 81 containsa first depression 93. Adjacent to the first cylindrical surface 81 is asecond cylindrical surface 82. The second cylindrical surface 82 has aradius which is smaller than the radius of the first cylindrical surface81. The second cylindrical surface 82 is adjacent to a third cylindricalsurface 84. The third cylindrical surface 84 has a radius which isgreater than the radius of the second cylindrical surface 82. The thirdcylindrical surface 84 contains a ridge 87. Adjacent to the thirdcylindrical surface 84 is a conical surface 83. The conical surface 83is adjacent to a fourth cylindrical surface 85. The fourth cylindricalsurface surface 85 and the conical surface 83 contain a seconddepression 92. The second depression 92 defines a hole 91. Adjacent tothe fourth cylindrical surface 85 is a flat outer surface 88. The flatouter surface 88 is adjacent to a fifth cylindrical surface 86.

[0046] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the features of thepresent invention may be fabricated through a combination of machining,forging, and other methods of fabrication. By way of example and notlimitation, the first cavity 30 can be machined while the second cavity31 is forged. Conversely, the second cavity 31 can be machined while thefirst cavity is forged.

[0047] While this invention has been particularly shown and describedwith references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understoodby those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details maybe made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A valve lifter body, comprising: a) an outersurface, enclosing a first cavity and a second cavity, wherein the firstcavity includes a first inner surface configured to house a cylindricalinsert and the second cavity includes a second inner surfacecylindrically shaped; and b) at least one of the cavities is fabricatedthrough forging.
 2. A valve lifter body according to claim 1, whereinthe first cavity is provided with a chamfered opening.
 3. A valve lifterbody according to claim 1, wherein the first inner surface includes acurved surface located between a first flat surface and a second flatsurface.
 4. A valve lifter body according to claim 1, wherein the firstinner surface includes a plurality of angled surfaces.
 5. A valve lifterbody according to claim 1, wherein the first inner surface includes aplurality of angled surfaces and a plurality of flat surfaces.
 6. Avalve lifter body according to claim 1, wherein the first inner surfaceincludes a plurality of angled surfaces and a plurality of flat surfacessuch that at least one angled surface is configured to be at an angle toat least one flat surface.
 7. A valve lifter body according to claim 1,wherein the first inner surface includes a plurality of angled surfacesand a plurality of flat surfaces such that at least one of the angledsurfaces is configured to be at an angle of between twenty-five andabout ninety degrees to at least one of the flat surfaces.
 8. A valvelifter body according to claim 1, wherein the second inner surfaceincludes a well.
 9. A valve lifter body according to claim 1, whereinthe second inner surface includes a conically-shaped surface.
 10. Avalve lifter body according to claim 1, wherein the second inner surfaceis configured to house a lash adjuster.
 11. A valve lifter bodyaccording to claim 1, wherein the outer surface includes a plurality ofconical and cylindrical surfaces.
 12. A valve lifter body, comprising:a) a first hollow shaft element configured to house a cylindricalinsert; b) a solid shaft element located adjacent to the first hollowshaft element; and c) a second hollow shaft element located adjacent tothe solid shaft element, wherein at least one of the shaft elements isfabricated through forging.
 13. A valve lifter body according to claim12, wherein at least one of the shaft elements is fabricated throughmachining.
 14. A valve lifter body according to claim 12, wherein atleast one of the hollow shaft elements defines a cavity including aninner surface.
 15. A valve lifter body according to claim 12, wherein atleast one of the hollow shaft elements defines a cavity including aninner surface which is configured to house a lash adjuster.
 16. A valvelifter body, comprising: a) an outer surface enclosing a first cavityand a second cavity, wherein the outer surface includes a plurality ofcylindrical surfaces; and b) at least one of the cavities is fabricatedthrough forging.
 17. A valve lifter body according to claim 16, whereinthe outer surface includes a plurality of depressions.
 18. A valvelifter body according to claim 16, wherein the outer surface includes aplurality of depressions and at least one depression defines a hole. 19.A valve lifter body according to claim 16, wherein the outer surfaceincludes a flat outer surface.
 20. A valve lifter body according toclaim 16, wherein at least one of the cylindrical surfaces is fabricatedthrough machining.